About Skeffington’s Formal Wear

Skeffington’s Formal Wear was established in Minneapolis in 1951 by Sid Freeman, Jack Skeffington and Pat Cashman. Pat Cashman’s eye patch was and still is the inspiration for our Logo. In 1954 our father Pete Leo began his career at Skeffington’s in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Over the years Pete his keen sense of business allowed him to rise through the ranks of the company and become regional manager for the stores located in Iowa and Missouri store as well as several wholesale accounts.  In 1976 Pete purchased the Iowa and Missouri stores and moves Skeffington’s and a dry cleaning operation to a strip mall on Park Avenue. At that time his son David Leo starts working for the company and stayed working along side his father until 1993.

During Pete’s reign he brought the first Bridal Show to Des Moines and started his close relationship with the Variety Club Telethon which continues to this day. Skeffington’s also supports many philanthropic causes from fundraisers to local schools. In 1978 Pete’s eldest daughter Mary Jo starts working at Park Avenue Cleaners and in 1980 she joins the Skeffington’s team.  In 1989 Pete’s son in law Dennis Dissinger starts working for the family business. In 1994 his daughter Karen started in the business.

In 1989 Pete buys a building and moves the operation to its current location 2453 SW 9th Street Des Moines, Iowa. With the larger building he was able to expand his business and employees! He ran the business like a family and helped many! Pete retires in 1993 and David, Dennis and Karen take over the operation. In 1996 Mary Jo steps into David’s spot and along with Dennis and Karen they embark on creating their own legacy which is still going today!